Rear, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Reared (rērd); p. pr. & vb. n.Rearing.] [AS. rǣran to raise, rear, elevate, for rǣsan, causative of rīsan to rise. See Rise, and cf. Raise.] 1. To raise; to lift up; to cause to rise, become erect, etc.; to elevate; as, to rear a monolith.
In adoration at his feet I fell
Submiss; he reared me. Milton.
It reareth our hearts from vain thoughts. Barrow.
Mine the first hand to rear her banner. Ld. Lytton.
2. To erect by building; to set up; to construct; as, to rear defenses or houses; to rear one government on the ruins of another.
One reared a font of stone. Tennyson.
3. To lift and take up. [Obs. or R.]
And having her from Trompart lightly reared,
Upon his courser set the lovely load. Spenser.
4. To bring up to maturity, as young; to educate; to instruct; to foster; as, to rear offspring.
He wants a father to protect his youth,
And rear him up to virtue. Southern.
5. To breed and raise; as, to rear cattle.
6. To rouse; to stir up.
And seeks the tusky boar to rear. Dryden.
Syn. — To lift; elevate; erect; raise; build; establish. See the Note under Raise, 3 (c).